Zumba, the mysterious sounding workout class is sweeping the nation – and UCF. Let’s get a brief history.
Zumba started back in Cali, Colombia in the early 90’s. An aerobics instructor, Alberto ‘Beto’ Perez forgot his music. Luckily, he had his personal meringue and salsa cassette tapes. He used them for his class, they loved it, and Zumba was born.
Zumba has grown to be offered at almost every gym or workout center. Not to mention the Wii and Xbox Kinect games which were popular around Christmas.
Adrianna Alzamora is UCF’s resident Zumba instructor. She is a 20-year-old nursing student, who became certified to teach Zumba in 2007.
“I’m Puerto Rican so I grew up dancing to this kind of music,” she said.
But what exactly does Zumba do for you?
“Technically, it’s Latin cardio, as it’s grown its incorporated more dance,” Alzamora says. “Mine is more hip-hop Spanish with salsa, Pit Bull and meringue.”
A typical class consists of two warm-ups, seven or eight songs of interval training, which Alzamora isn’t the biggest fan of, so she switches it up. Lastly, a cool down and a stretch ease your muscles.
Here’s the real benefit; you burn about 600-700 calories a class.
It may sound like a typical aerobics class but it is definitely not. Guys: don’t be scared, you can do it too.
“I have a few guys who take my classes,” Alzamora said. “Once they see how fun it is they always want to join in.”
Now, all UCF collegiettes can join in the Zumba fun with Adrianna! Come to our outside Zumba dance party, Thursday, April 21st at Memory Mall.
“I’m so excited,” Adrianna told us. “I’ve always wanted to do a class outside!”
The class starts at 7:00 p.m. but get there a little early to get a good spot. See you there!